Private tour in London Jill D

Mayfair and St James's - Private Tour

5.0

(15) reviews

-
Hours icon 3 hours 30 minutes
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
Start time
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Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 3 hours 30 minutes
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Jill D.

5.0

Guide rating

31

Reviews

Tours delivered

9 hrs

Avg. response time

I'm a Londoner by choice, not by birth. I moved here after university, and stayed because I think it's the greatest city on earth! Over thirty years later I'm still finding out new things to see and do in London. I've been guiding tours for eight years now, and with ToursByLocals since 2023. I'm a qualified guide in the City of London (the financial 'square mile', a long history with a modern twist), in the City of Westminster (think tradition, royals, politics, parks, shopping), and in the London Borough of Camden (think literature, music, green squares, and hip areas such as Camden Town and King's Cross) - so basically all of central London, with a bit of North London in the mix. In fact I like guiding so much I now teach Tour Guiding. My favourite thing is sharing my love of our great city with others. Not just the well-known places, but the secret corners, the quirky facts, the stuff that makes London so special. I love talking about the people - women and men, real and fictional - the architecture, the open spaces, and the social history. You may just see a road, or a building, or a plaque, but I see a story to tell. And I want to share it with you. I did my first degree in Classics (Latin, Greek, Ancient History) at Oxford University, and then worked in Telecoms for many years, latterly as a project manager, so I have super organisational skills. Now I am free to do what I love, and that includes taking you on a walking tour. I've travelled extensively, particularly in the USA and Canada (shout out to the in-laws and cousins!), and I know what I want from a good tour when I am on vacation. I'll aim to provide that to you, and introduce you to the sights you may have heard of, and the ones you haven't, but will be glad you discovered them too. I am only too happy to customize any tour that takes your fancy, to meet your requirements. I look forward to hearing from you! I am an accredited City of London guide (Institute of Tourist Guiding Green Badge). I am an accredited City of Westminster guide. I am an accredited London Borough of Camden guide. I am not a Blue Badge guide, so am unable to guide within Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, and St Paul's Cathedral. I provide walking tours of London, not driven tours.

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Jill D.

Overview of your London tour

No, I can't afford to live there, but that doesn't stop me - or you - exploring their leafy squares, elegant streets, and atmospheric arcades. Let me show you the secrets of wealthy Mayfair and upper-class St James's. Mayfair's story starts over 300 years ago with a 12 year old heiress, but is now known as a place where the rich live, work and shop. I will tell you about its history, its many American connections, and the famous and infamous people who have lived here. We take in two squares, a garden, the birth place of the late Queen Elizabeth II, and much more. Across Piccadilly and a stop for a coffee break. Then we dive into St James's. It's discreet, very British, and very classy. We'll start at the parish church, then make our way around St James's, past gentlemen's clubs, the finest shops, and a royal palace. I'll point out where hats for Winston Churchill and Jacqueline Kennedy were made, where royals buy their boots and wine, and more, before we head back along The Mall to Trafalgar Square.

Your London tour itinerary

In Mayfair we will discover; • Brown Hart Gardens - a garden in the air • Grosvenor Square - the American connection • Mount Street Gardens - the history of Mayfair's poor • Shepherds Market - the May Fair, and a saucy history • Berkeley Square - elegant houses, gambling and Annabel's • Bruton Street - the Queen's birthplace • Bond Street - designer shops and fabulous window displays • The Royal Academy - world-class art • Burlington Arcade - undercover elegance In St James we will explore; • St James's Church - Christopher Wren at his best • St James's Square - a green oasis • Waterloo Place - statues, statues everywhere • Pall Mall - the world of Gentlemen's clubs • St James's shops - by royal appointment • St James's Palace - site of King Charles III's accession • The Mall & St James's Park - the processional route Please note this tour can be customised. Use the 'message guide' button to contact me for a customised tour.

Want to customize this tour?

Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.

Transport details
Type: Walking

This is a walking tour, so will be entirely on foot

What's included
Private Guide
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses.
Public Transportation
Food Drinks Snacks
Meeting location

Bond Street, England, England, W1S, United Kingdom

Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide: I can meet you at your hotel or at an underground station. If arriving by tube (underground) the suggested station is Bond Street (served by the Central, Jubilee and Elizabeth Lines)

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
History
City Highlights
Architecture
Tour reference number
1059976
Languages
English
Activity level
Light
5.0

Traveller reviews for this private tour in London

15 reviews

FAQs

Who is this private tour in London best suited for?

This private tour in London is perfect for travellers interested in exploring the luxurious and historical areas of Mayfair and St James's. It's ideal for those who enjoy walking tours and want to learn about the rich history, elegant streets, and famous personalities associated with these areas. Whether you're a history buff, a fan of British culture, or simply curious about how the wealthy live, this tour offers a unique perspective. It's also great for those who want to connect with a local guide like Jill D. for deeper insights.

What should I bring or wear?

Can this private tour in London be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?

How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?

What languages is this tour offered in?

What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?

Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 3 hours 30 minutes
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
Start time
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 3 hours 30 minutes
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
Start time
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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